What is an Epic?Epic?What is an

Epic Fail?Have you ever heard someone say “epic win” or “epic fail?” What does this mean?

On your note sheet, write down what you think the word “epic” means.

Epic: DefinitionUsed as a noun: A long poem that tells the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures, or the history of a nation.

Used as an adjective: Heroic, meaningful, timeless, and impressively great.

Epic: Opposite?What is the opposite of an epic (the noun)? What is the opposite of epic (the adjective)? Let’s figure it out as a class.

Characteristics of all epics1. Epics are written as long, narrative poems

or use lofty, poetic language.

2. Heroes in the story have qualities that the culture as a whole values.

3. Heroes in the story are important people of high standing in society.

4. The setting is vast: heroes go on a journey.

5. There are gods or supernatural forces involved in the story.

Characteristics of some epics1. The epic is based on stories that were told

as part of a culture’s oral tradition.

2. The Hero is often a god or son of a god.

3. The story is often about the founding of a nation.

4. The story often involves a war or battles against monsters.

Epic: Opposite?Add more: What is the opposite of an epic (the noun)? What is the opposite of epic (the adjective)? Let’s figure it out as a class.

Examples of EpicsThe Iliad and Odyssey (Ancient Greek) The Aeneid (Ancient Roman) Gilgamesh (Ancient Mesopotamian) The Ramayana (Ancient Indian) Beowulf (Medieval English) The Edda (Medieval Icelandic) Jewang Ungi (Medieval Korean) Journey to the West (Medieval Chinese) The Tale of the Heike (Medieval Japanese)